Safe removals elevators and floor loading

Safe removals elevators and floor loading don’t always go together. In this post it is written as an overview to removing or relocating a safe in a building with a limited floor loading. I have been involved in the safe industry since 1980 when I worked for Lord safe company in Brisbane. Safe moving and safe relocating has changed dramatically over the last 30 years. Some of the practices that were acceptable then almost certainly would not be allowed now. Risk assessments and safe work method statements have replaced unsafe and risky “she will be right” attitudes.

Some people may contract a furniture mover rather than someone with the expertise and specialised equipment. They do this simply because it may be a little cheaper. However this is all good until there is an injury or an accident. As a result of the weight of many safes the consequences when this happens can be dire. If you think that the costs will only be born by the injured party. Its worth noting that there are lots of law firms looking to make money out of anyone involved. Even the building owners.

Elevators and safes really dont mix. Many safes were taken up in the olden days whilst people turned a blind eye. Or maybe just weren’t informed or involved. I am told that its easier to go up with a load than down as the lift motor will work to pull the load up. Where as the brakes are used much more when lowering. Elevators are designed and built with ballast so as the “car’ is neutral when loaded in an “average” configuration. The correct starting point is to know the EXACT weight of the safe. With this information we then look next at the lifts capacity.

We like to work with a 10 – 20% buffer so if the lift capacity is 1000kg we will not put more than 900 kg in it. Often we require a lift technician to “drive” the lift from the lift motor room and they can also adjust the brakes. Its worth noting that we never ride in a lift with the safe when it is close to its capacity. Many “elevator cars” have sensors in the floor which measure the amount of flex in the floor.

Floor loading and its analysis is now very vogue with building managers. They want to ensure that the building will not be damaged by the placement of a heavy safe or similar. A compactus is another item they look closely at. It is always wise to consult Building Managers prior to moving a safe in. There is a formula to work out the pressure a safe will exert on the floor. Different buildings will have differing floor loadings but 200- 300 kg per square metre is not uncommon these days. I suggest contacting a structural engineer who can offer a professional opinion for dealing with this thorny issue.

The above information is written as an introduction and obviously each job needs to be assessed individually. I invite you to contact me about the above however I am really only able to comment on local situations.

Foot note, I occasionally get asked, “will a heavy safe damage my floor” or “will a heavy safe crack the concrete”. The short answer I give is “NO”. We often stack big heavy safes together, side by side on concrete slabs and there has not been an issue. Keep in mind these are “commercial concrete floors” but so long as the slab is a “ground floor” the weight is fully supported. If the heavy safe is to be placed on an upper floor its a totally different question.

I also get asked about heavy safes placed on top of a wooden floor and again it must be looked on a case by case basis. Last year we removed a heavy safe (1800 kg) from a building that had a wooden floor. The floor was sagging from the weigh so we had to “prop up” the floor to get it out safely. Call or email me for more info on this topic.

A 1400 kg safe being guided through a small doorway !

Why cant all elevators carry 4000kg ?

Floor support jacksA typical Floor Loading request sheet

Title – safe removals elevators and floor loading version 1.12 by Admin

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Beeen chasing a particular brand of safe for ages. Nobody had them in stock and could not be bothered getting them in it seemed. Found it on sale @ KGB and decided to buy there and then. Contacted by Allison who was prompt in getting back to me about some minor cosmetic issues with the safe which didn’t worry me at all but she gave me a substantial discount for it which was greatly appreciated. Allison kept me updated through the whole process which was excellent customer service. Safe was delivered today by Wayne and Alex who were friendly blokes and worked to get it where I exactly wanted it. All in all was a great experience buying a product from these guys. Highly recommended and I will certainly tell anyone I know who is in the market for a safe to deal with these guys without question. Thanks KGB.

We used KGB Security and they installed a Hikvision and Paradox security system, They were very polite and Shane did a fantastic job, fast and effective. I would used them again they were very responsive, had it all installed in a few days and it works like a charm. I can highly recommend these guys

Kelly, Wayne, Gabriel and Alex were extremely helpful, giving me plenty of security advice, tips and tricks - not to mention a great price. Most importantly I'm very appreciative of the time they spent with me making sure my security problems were solved. I would highly recommend their service.

We have called upon KGB Security on multiple occasions ranging from Restricted Key Systems, replacing locks, recommendations and supply of suitable padlocks or door hardware. They have also been engaged to do lockouts for us which makes a tense situation easier when you have a professional company in attendance. We have no hesitation in recommending KGB Security and take this opportunity to thank admin staff and field staff for their prompt attention and support.

Great company to call in time of need. KGB are prompt, reliable, and do everything they can to make installation work seamlessly. Special mention to Kate and Alison in administration - what an asset to the company - easy to talk to and efficient with it. This is a company that does great customer service.
Highly recommend

Good group of people with excellent service. The whole team were a pleasure to deal with and the installation crew went above and beyond. I would recommend KGB Security to anyone needing secure storage facilities.

Really good bunch of Roosters. They opened a safe within a few minutes. As the job is for a business, they could of charged almost any amount of money, but they chose not to. Definitely recommend.
Cheers

I have been dealing with Kel for 5 yrs and have always had a first rate personalised service. I feel ever grateful for all your help and guidance when I needed it. And going out of your way to make sure my security needs are fully covered. Thanks heaps for your expertise and great service.

Great, prompt, professional service on a after hours lock out. Call answered quite late after numerous calls to many other supposed 24hr locksmiths. The locksmith arrived & sorted us out fast. Thank you so much. Highly recommend this business

I have used KGB for a number of years. I have been very disappointed recently with their complete lack of service and interest. I can only assume that there has been a change of management. Goodbye KGB
Following my disappointment with KGB the staff contacted me and sorted out my issues to my complete satisfaction.

I had to replace a lock on my safe, was able to collect it within a day, and best of all Cal sorted me for a very good deal, will definitely be using KBG Security for my safe upgrade in the future. Thanks

I had an issue with my safe I went on the Internet to find someone to help me
I found KGB security I didn’t realise I had rung a Brisbane company as I live in Sydney but it didn’t matter because Kel was more than happy to help me
He stayed on the phone and went through all the steps to fix my issue with my safe
Thank you
Kerry

I had the week from hell recently and to top it all off I lost my house keys down an elevator shaft. I rang another company who promised to meet me at a specific time and then showed up 50 minutes late. No apology just a couple of grunts. Well he tried opening the lock for 40 minutes and when I hinted he was having a tough time he promptly walked off leaving me dismayed and dumb founded...what the.
I rang 10 locksmiths all advertising "prompt service" and all either did not answer or had switched off their phones. I eventually called KGB and the man who answered assured me his locksmith A would turn up and B would be able to open the door. 45 mins later he arrived and another 10 mins the door was open.
I asked him why the other guy couldnt open the door and he was very diplomatic and almost humble. In fact he explained in great detail why my lock was a tough one. Long story but a huge shout out the KGB Team. Thanks a bunch Jarrod :)

I recently wrote an unflattering review of the service at KGB. I wish now to revise my rating to 5 stars. It was a communication problem that was responsible for the lack of response I initially experienced. Once that was sorted out my requirements were attended to with the usual good service and attention to detail that I have received from KGB over many years.

Purchased a new safe and was at a good price. Very heavy duty and was what I was after. Had great service and were knowledgeable on the products. all seem like a really good bunch of people working there.

Thank you to Rhiannon for assisting over the phone with as much information as possible and to Paul, the locksmith who attended the property. He was very thorough and knowledgeable and happy to assist with my queries. Very helpful and professional.

Dealing with KGB has been amazing and that's why we continue to do business with them. We needed something to be done urgently and Rhiannon made it easy and stress free. She made you feel like your job was at high priority. Great job Rhiannon!

When you're leaving for work and hear the click of your door lock behind you and you realise you've left your keys inside is not a good feeling. However, if you live near KGB Rocklea there's no need to worry. Thanks to Rhiannon for being so friendly, accommodating and understanding the urgency of the situation. She sent a technician (Martin) to my home very briefly after our conversation. 5 stars. I highly recommend!

Had a last minute need for a call out before an Open House! The booking co-ordinator dealt with my urgency very well, and had a person out the next morning. They arrived on time, and quickly solved the case of the lost keys. Very professional, friendly guys who got the job done in no time. No hesitation in recommending and giving 5 stars.

I embarrassingly locked myself out of my house when a door closed whilst I was getting washing in!! I cannot thank Kel and Matt enough for their wonderful service!!!! Very understanding and incredibly efficient. I highly recommend KGB!!

My safe would not respond to the combination so I called KGB Security. They sent around a very helpful young man, David, who pulled the door to pieces, fixed the jammed mechanism, restored it to working order and then ensured I understood the combination clearing and setting process. Meanwhile I picked his brains and he chatted happily away providing all sorts of advice on safes. This company (KGB) sticks by their products. Their staff are courteous, knowledgeable and helpful. Highly recommend KGB.